“Peter walks over to inspect the rear fuselage section we have clecoed together – he takes a quick look and says “Yes, that’s right, rivet it.” In my head, and probably written all over my face, is the thought, “What me? Don’t you want to look at it in more detail or get someone who knows how to pull rivets to do it?”
However, to start at the beginning, cast your mind back to the LAA Rally in 2016, where the Association was celebrating its 70th anniversary. As part of the celebration, and as they were looking to start importing their Sling 4 aircraft into the UK, The Airplane Factory from South Africa, with the help of launch customer Lucian D’Sa and great support from the LAA, had the idea to build a Sling 4 in seven days using a team of ten people! Volunteers were sourced through an article in Light Aviation and, when I saw this, the timing was just perfect. I was looking to build a kit, so what better way to gain some experience than as part of this project.
And so it was that eight of us from the UK (of which only two had any previous experience of aircraft building) and four guys from TAF, started to get to know each other in a big tent at Sywell.”
-David Pilkington (Light Aviation Magazine UK)
It’s go‑time! Load up your gear, strap on your gravel shoes, and aim for the wide‑open Karoo horizon. The Tanqua Kuru is calling, and we’re answering with throttles, pedals, and hearts wide open. At least four Sling aircraft and our solid team of riders will make the pilgrimage to Tankwa Tented Camp for what’s become an annual tradition of grit, gravel, and greatness.
There’s still one title former Springbok Bob Skinstad hasn’t claimed… This isn’t a stadium victory. No crowds, no ceremony, no easy applause. This one is fought for. Across endless gravel, through the dust, under the relentless Tankwa sun. And he’s chasing it down on a Sling Cycles Tagati. So, the question is — when he rolls up to the start line… will you be there with him?